Powering the Pacific Northwest: Lead the Modernization of Our High-Voltage Grid as a Senior Construction Engineering Specialist
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) delivers clean, reliable, and sustainable hydropower and transmission services to millions of people across the Pacific Northwest. As we modernize and expand our massive high-voltage electrical transmission system, we need visionary technical leaders. In this critical, interdisciplinary GS-13 engineering role (Civil, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering), you will not just oversee construction-you will shape the future of our region's energy infrastructure. Serving as the primary technical authority, you will manage major, complex grid modernization and construction projects from inception to energization, ensuring the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of our regional power system.
As an Interdisciplinary Civil Engineer (Construction Management)/Electrical Engineer/Electronics Engineer you will:
1. Serve as the Lead Technical and Construction Consultant Act as the premier engineering authority across internal departments, external public agencies, utility partners, and the public. You will guide complex high-voltage grid initiatives through high-level collaboration, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on project expectations, safety, and execution strategies.
2. Drive Project Feasibility and Risk Management Direct comprehensive front-end project planning, including cost estimates, construction timelines, power outage coordination, environmental protections, and land rights. You will evaluate engineering designs for risk, practical constructability, and operational efficiency, resolving conflicts before ground is even broken.
3. Direct and Coordinate High-Performing Field Teams Lead and inspire diverse technical teams in the field. You will align the efforts of resident engineers, quality assurance inspectors, safety personnel, and specialized testing/commissioning engineers to ensure work is executed safely and in strict accordance with engineering designs.
4. Shape Strategic Contracting and Resource Allocation Develop and execute tailored contracting strategies that maximize the use of public funds. You will assess the capabilities of external construction firms to match complex grid projects with the best-fit industry partners, driving high efficiency and value.
5. Partner with Contracting Officers on Major Financial Decisions Serve as the technical anchor for multimillion-dollar construction agreements. You will evaluate competitive bids, negotiate complex contract modifications, and recommend milestone payments, ensuring technical requirements translate seamlessly into contract execution.
6. Enforce Rigorous Quality and Field Compliance Conduct active on-site field evaluations to monitor contractor performance. You maintain the ultimate authority to halt, reject, or correct non-conforming construction, ensuring our high-voltage transmission lines, substations, and fiber-optic networks meet uncompromising quality standards.
7. Resolve Multi-Disciplinary and Unforeseen Engineering Challenges Spearhead the resolution of unexpected field conditions, sudden weather challenges, and design-versus-construction conflicts. You will use engineering ingenuity to navigate highly complex, multi-phase projects extending beyond a single specialty area, keeping schedules on track.
8. Establish Long-Term Standards and Best Practices Drive agency-wide excellence by standardizing construction administration specifications, developing advanced training modules, and capturing lessons learned. Your expertise will elevate the standard of engineering practice and continuous improvement across the entire organization.
In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration
When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
Key Requirements:
- You must be a United States Citizen.
- This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
- Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
- You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
Conditions of Employment:
- Selectee will be required to complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually.
- This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
- Subject to emergency call outs. Employees are subject to having their regular work day extended or being contacted outside of normal working hours when there is an emergency or particularly adverse situation.
- Frequent travel required.
- After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
- A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
- Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
-OR-
B. Combination of Education and Experience - college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
- Professional Registration or Licensure - Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. -OR-
- Written Test - Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.-OR-
- Specified Academic Courses - Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.-OR-
- Related Curriculum - Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
For more information on how to meet the Basic Requirements please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-12] in the Federal service.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in advanced civil engineering or electrical engineering or electronics engineering theories, principles, concepts, standards, and methods related to power or transmission systems sufficient to 1) managing projects involving the construction of transmission and power lines and non-electric plant facilities; 2) serving as a technical specialist in construction management and providing expert advice to senior colleagues; and 3) managing business processes to assess the value and effectiveness of program accomplishments.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
This vacancy has a positive education requirement. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts.
Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".
- The salary is based on a Special Rate Table, Number 0754: https://apps.opm.gov/SpecialRates/
- This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE
EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register
Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.
We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Category Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the Structured Interview Review rating assessment(s) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three predefined quality categories. These categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified.
Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).
Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring 85.0 or higher.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (08/20/2026) of this announcement.
To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13032505
Structured Interview Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, all candidates will be asked the same pre-determined questions, which are designed to evaluate the competencies needed for the role. Your responses will be scored on a rating scale based on these competencies. After the interview, scores from all interviewers will be compiled and factored into the overall evaluation. Your final score will reflect how well your qualifications and skills align with the position requirements. Participation in this interview is required for your application to be considered complete. If you do not complete the interview, you will be removed from further consideration for the position.
